Archive for September, 2010

Want to bring your loved ones something special from Scotland? Here are some suggestions of what you can buy.

T-shirts are always unique gift – if you don’t know the specific tastes of the person you’re buying the souvenir for, it might be the best choice, along with things like baseball caps.

Sporrans are small satchels carried in front of the kilt. The high quality ones can be a nice remind of the beautiful culture.

Kilts – the most traditional Scottish wear adorned with the famous tartan pattern is one of the most obvious gifts from the beautiful country.

Kilts come in many colours and lengths, also prices vary from a couple of dozens to even a couple of thousands of pounds. Here, an example of a nice, classic kilt and an option for ladies.

Small gadgets like mugs, funny egg cups or a Lone Piper figurine are always nice and do not cost much. There is a wide variety of these kind of small gifts available and they are always fun to have. (more…)

Scotland has a history rich with a belief in family, community and loyalty. This full sense of belonging, that seems to be very lacking in today’s society, is drawing people all around the world to discover their clan and connect with a group that has outlasted wars, poverty, and modernization and still stands united.

As Scotland was settled, regions were created that had their own chief, castle and governing structure. Anyone living in the boundaries of the chief’s domain belonged to his clan. Time, battles, and politics altered borders, creating clans of several different families. Many of these families would change their names to reflect that of their clan Chief. Historically, these regions were signified by a particular tartan. By the late eighteenth century, the tartan specifically become a clan symbol. Only the clan chief could make a tartan pattern the official sign of the clan. (more…)

In general, Scottish kilt outfits have the same elements in common. It is primarily the clothing above the kilt that varies and distinguishes one outfit from another. For those considering purchasing a complete Scottish kilt outfit, there are several different styles to choose from. Two of the most common outfits are the Prince Charlie outfit and the Argyll outfit.

The Prince Charlie kilt outfit is most often worn for formal occasions such as weddings, formal dinners or evenings out. What distinguishes it most from the Argyll outfit is its distinctive jacket and waistcoat with silver buttons on the front, arms and jacket tail. The outfit itself consists of the kilt, two-piece jacket (usually black), dress shirt, bow tie, brogues (shoes), seal skin dress sporran, chainstrap, hose, tartan flashes (worn on the hose), kilt pin (worn on the apron of the kilt) and the Sgian Dubh, an ornamental dagger that is tucked into the hose.

The Argyll outfit is a less formal outfit that can be worn for many different occasions. The outfit consists of the kilt, a more casual jacket and waistcoat, dress shirt, tie, brogues, semi-dress sporran, chainstrap, hose, Sgian Dubh, kilt pin, tartan flashes, belt and buckle (optional).

A length of tartan called a “full plaid” may also be worn to compliment an outfit. This is wrapped around the chest then under the right arm, with the excess material being thrown over the left or right shoulder; the right shoulder for “civilians” and the left shoulder for pipers, clan chiefs and military commanders.